Anyone can lose teeth because of problems such as periodontal disease, trauma, or decay. But there is no need to live with the situation. Dental implants can replace a single missing tooth or several, and the results often last a lifetime.

Missing teeth can affect self-confidence and speech, make it difficult to chew food, and impact general health, so it is essential to replace them. Implants are an excellent solution because they look and feel like natural teeth. Unlike dentures, implants are comfortable, and it is easy to care for them. They also help prevent bone loss in the jaw.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implant procedures are provided by a specialist such as a periodontist or oral surgeon, generally in an office.

Implant specialists replace tooth roots with metal posts during an implant procedure and replace teeth with artificial teeth that look and feel real. Implants are ideal alternatives to dentures or bridgework that don’t fit well. They are also a good choice when the condition of natural roots makes it impossible to build bridgework or dentures.

The type of surgery performed depends on the condition of the jawbone and the type of implant. Some patients require several procedures. The bone must heal tightly around implants for them to provide reliable support for replacement teeth. Healing time differs for each person and can take several months.

Why Specialists Recommend Implants?

Dental implants are surgically implanted in the jawbone, where they replace the roots of missing teeth. Titanium in the implants fuses with the jawbone, so implants don’t make noise, slip, or cause bone damage the way bridgework or dentures can.

A specialist is most likely to recommend implants for patients who:

• Have one or more missing teeth
• Have enough jawbone to secure implants or are candidates for a bone graft
• Have jawbones that have reached full growth
• Do not have health conditions that would impact bone healing
• Have healthy oral tissues
• Not or will not wear dentures
• Would like to improve their speech
• Are non-smokers
• Will commit months to the process

The Benefits of a Dental Implant

Everyone wants a bright white smile to last them the rest of their lives. Dental implants can make that happen! At Foothills Family Dental one can get the best teeth whitening procedure available in Tucson, but let’s break down the benefits. It’s very important to take care of a missing tooth for the health and, of course, the dental health. Not only will a missing tooth affect the functionality of the mouth, but it may lead to a list of other issues. So the first benefit is stopping further issues from occurring. Next, let’s take a look at why a dental implant is the best option for tooth replacement.

Implants provide a unique solution to missing or damaged teeth because, unlike other options, they can restore both function and appearance. They are also:

• Natural-looking
• Long-lasting
• Very close to natural teeth
• Able to prevent teeth shifting and bone loss
• Secure enough to let patients eat anything without slipping or movement

Long-term health benefits of dental implants

The best thing about a dental implant has to do with the fact that it helps to preserve the bones in the jaw and prevents any further deterioration of the facial structure. When someone loses most or all their teeth, the jawbone has nothing left to stimulate and this can cause deterioration of facial tissue and cause collapse of the chin and jawline. Even if the only need 1 replaced, the long term benefits are worth it. To get started, one can give Foothills Family Dental in Tucson a call today.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Implants?

Most people are good candidates for dental implants, but there are exceptions. Some patients have conditions that can result in poor outcomes.

Tooth Replacement with a Realistic Look and Feel

The first thing on someone’s mind when it comes to debating a tooth replacement method like dental implants is whether it will look real. This is the best option considering they not only look real but feel real when used as well. They were designed to look as real as possible. When one puts them side by side with other tooth replacements, a dental implant always wins the race. Once one has one implanted, one can then treat it like one would any other tooth. There’s no special dental hygiene maintenance for it. One’ll just need to brush and floss like one would any other day. For the most natural smile, contact Foothills Family Dental.

The Dental Implant Procedure

There are generally four phases to implant treatment, as follows:

Placing the Implants: Phase One
Specialists place titanium posts in the jaw, typically in their office, using local or IV sedation. The choice is up to the patient. Implants are usually submerged below the gum line and cannot be seen, although some are visible and sit flush with the gum line. One needs time to recover from implantation and give the bone around the implants to harden, a process called osseointegration, which can take many months. One may wear a temporary prosthesis and may need to stick to a soft food diet. One will be given pain medications.

Phase Two: Exposing Implants (Not necessary in all cases)
If the implants have been submerged in the gums during recovery, one will need this minor procedure. Specialists do not do it until the bone has fused with the implants. A specialist uncovers the implants and then attaches a healing collar that keeps them exposed. It also gives gums a definite boundary of where prosthetics will sit. One can still wear temporary prosthetics after the procedure.

Phase Three: Implanting Replacement Teeth
After several weeks of recovery, the soft tissues in the mouth will have healed to the point where the doctor can take impressions of the mouth. Impressions are used to create the artificial teeth (prosthesis) the implants will hold in place. Fabricating the artificial teeth usually takes several weeks. When one have completely healed, an abutment is placed on top of each implant to give the surface area it needs to attach securely to the implant. A dental adhesive is used to place a permanent prosthesis.

Phase Four: Maintaining New Teeth
Once implants are complete and teeth restored, it is essential to care for them. Maintaining implants is much like caring for natural teeth. One need to practice good oral hygiene and schedule routine professional exams and cleanings. Implants have evolved to the point where they can last decades, and many patients have them for life.